January 11: The Taiwan Straits Conflict

–submitted by Jessika Kasten

Fellow Rotarian CHRIS KOLAKOWSKI, Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, provided members and guests with history and context around the Taiwan Straits conflict.

The roots of the conflict go back to the Chinese Civil War in the late in 1940’s between the Nationalists and communists. These two sides are still at war today, as there was never a resolution. A delicate balance exists because both sides deeply believe in “One China.”

Kolakowski did not prognosticate the future but discussed some current pressures, (e.g. economic slowdowns, Covid and the Russo-Ukraine war) that could upset the balance. 

If you missed our meeting this week, you can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/pq80XOvFhfA.